Paulina and Tom Thum — Meet One of Our StAArt Up Fund Winners

Round One of the StAArt Up Fund has wrapped, and it’s already making waves across Australia’s music scene. With over 100 emerging artists applying from all corners of the country, the response was massive — and we’re proud to name Paulina & Tom Thum as one of our three standout winners.

Based in Meanjin/Brisbane, this genre-defying duo blends soulful songwriting, world-class beatboxing, and acappella production into a sound that’s entirely their own. After the viral success of their first track “Focus on Me” — racking up more than 8 million views online and 400K+ streams — it’s clear their creative chemistry is next level. Their upcoming EP promises more of that magic: raw vocals, slick sound design, and boundary-pushing style.

For Paulina and Tom, merch isn’t just a side hustle — it’s an extension of their art.
“Clothes are like art you get to wear — and now we get to put our art into something other people can wear too,” says Paulina.
“Merch is just an extension of our art, really,” adds Tom.

Winning the StAArt Up Fund? A total surprise.
“It was such a surprise when we won this American Apparel® comp. I guess now we’ve got to come up with a design,” laughs Tom.
“But it’s gonna be dope,” they both agree.

Thanks to the fund, they’ll receive $10,000 worth of custom American Apparel® merch — high-quality pieces that showcase their vision and give fans something real to wear.

Round Two is officially open. If you’re an emerging Australian musician ready to take your art further with $10,000 in custom-printed merch, now’s your chance.

Apply for the StAArt Up Fund today.